Learn how to install an AWS One Tier system.
This training video covers the complete installation sequence for an AWS one-tier waterfall system, from setting the preplumbed center panel on the pool beam to handoff to landscape crews. Chuck demonstrates proper mortar application, panel leveling with a mallet, managing mortar overflow near the pool edge, and setting side panels with consistent front alignment. After all panels are in place, the video covers pointing joints cleanly where rock meets tile, keeping the tile line free of mortar, tying in the one or two plumbing connections, and hiding EZ Lifting rigging points under numbered mortar-set rocks for a seamless natural finish.
What You'll Learn
- Clean the pool beam before starting; set the center panel first, mortar the beam while protecting the tile, lower the panel slowly, and use a mallet to fine-tune position and level.
- Some mortar will squeeze out when setting panels — catch excess by hand or with plastic sheeting; if small amounts enter the pool, brush toward returns or vacuum immediately before the mortar sets.
- Install side panels one at a time after centering; check front-facing alignment after each panel so the finished waterfall reads as one cohesive feature.
- Point joints between rock and tile using trowels; use sponges only for cleaning residue off rocks and tile, not for pointing; wipe the tile line clean as you work.
- The entire system is preplumbed — confirm plumbing orientation from the plan before setting, then tie in one or two simple connections.
- After all panels are set, mortar numbered rocks over the EZ Lifting points to hide them; for single rock panels, follow the EZ Lift Rock Patching video.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you set panels for an AWS one-tier waterfall system?
Start by cleaning the pool beam of all debris. Set the center panel first: measure and center it on the beam, mortar the beam while protecting the tile, lower the panel slowly into the mortar, and use a rubber mallet to fine-tune position and achieve level. Then set one side panel, confirm fit and alignment from the front, and set the opposite side.
What should I do if mortar squeezes out toward the pool during panel setting?
Catch excess mortar immediately by hand or by laying plastic sheeting across the pool edge before setting the panel. If mortar enters the pool, brush it toward the pool returns or vacuum it out right away before it can set. Acting quickly keeps it manageable.
How do you point the joints on an AWS one-tier waterfall installation?
Fill and finish joints where rock meets tile using trowels — a trowel finish produces clean, consistent mortar lines. Use sponges only for wiping residue off rock and tile surfaces, not for forming the joint. Keep wiping the tile line clean as you work to prevent mortar from drying on the tile.
How many plumbing connections does an AWS one-tier system require on site?
Most one-tier AWS systems are fully preplumbed at the factory and require only one or two simple plumbing connections on site. Confirm the orientation of the plumbing line against the installation plan before the panels are permanently set.
How are the EZ Lifting rigging points hidden after a one-tier installation?
After all panels are placed, numbered rocks are mortared over each EZ Lifting location to conceal them, producing a seamless natural appearance with no visible rigging hardware. For systems with single rock panels, the AWS EZ Lift Rock Patching video provides step-by-step instructions for filling and blending the bolt holes.
Video transcript
Thank you for your interest in Advanced Waterfall Systems. Welcome to our training video library. Important note, make sure that you watch all of our safety videos, especially our lifting and rigging safety video to ensure that all of your installations are safe. In this one tier waterfall training video, we will go over setting the panels on the pool beam, pointing, cleaning the tile line, and completing the installation. This AWS system and pool were designed for the waterfall system to sit on the pool beam.
Before setting panels, make sure the beam is clean and free of debris. First, we set the center panel. This system uses a one piece preplumbed waterfall panel with veneer on the backside. Measure and center the panel on the beam. Place mortar on the beam while protecting the tile, then lower the panel slowly into the mortar.
Once it's seated, use a mallet to fine tune the position and level the panel. When setting the panel, some mortar may squeeze out. If there's too much on the edge of the pool, it may get into the pool. But if the pool is full, it's not the end of the world. You can catch it with your hand or lay plastic across the front to stop it from going in.
If any mortar gets into the pool, then brush it towards the returns or vacuum it out. As long as you catch it right away, it's not a problem. With the center panel set and leveled, next, install the side panels. Set one side, confirm the fit and alignment, then set the second side. Keep checking the front so the waterfall looks like one cohesive feature.
Many systems will have single rock panels from our EZ Lifting system. These are rocks rocks that are drilled all the way through and then fitted with a plate and a stainless steel rod. They include removable eye bolts that attach to the rod. This makes it easy to clip onto the single rock panel and set it in place. Make sure you watch our lifting and rigging video for a complete explanation.
Next is pointing. Fill and finish the joints where the rock meets the tile. Take your time here. Clean, consistent joints make the installation look professional. As you point, keep the tile line clean and wipe as you go so there is no mortar left on the tile.
We use several different types of trowels and only use sponges to clean off the rocks and tiles, not for actual point. We prefer the look of mortar joints with a trowel finish, but everyone has their own preference. Tie in the plumbing line as per the plan and confirm orientation before setting. The entire system is preplumbed, so most systems only have one or two simple plumbing connections. After the panels are set, cover the lifting points by installing the numbered rocks with mortar.
If your system has single rock panels, refer to our EZ Lift rock patching video for instructions on patching. The goal is a seamless natural finish with with no visible rigging locations. That's it. This one tier waterfall system was installed in a few hours. The panels were set, the joints were pointed and cleaned, lifting points were hidden, and the backside was finished.
It's now ready for the landscape crews to finish the project with bolder walls and planting. Thank you for watching this video. Contact us if you have any questions.